Burner Photography

Night Panorama

BurnerPhotography@gmail.com (Benjamin Burner) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:32:00 +0000

Pusch Ridge at night (Tucson, AZ)

The Catalina Foothills at Night

BurnerPhotography@gmail.com (Benjamin Burner) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 02:23:00 +0000

Chiricahua National Monument

BurnerPhotography@gmail.com (Benjamin Burner) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 03:18:00 +0000

I spent the better part of yesterday at Chiricahua National Monument. Here are the results:

Above: I had all but given up on a beautiful sunrise... til I turned around!

The Heart of Rocks

This small loop contains some of the most extraordinary rock spires in the entire monument. If you travel to Chiricahua, I highly recommend hiking the Heart of Rocks Loop. The easiest way to get to the loop is to park at Massai Point and take the Mushroom Rock Trail to the Big Balanced Rock Trail. Below: I took the images for this haphazard time lapse video while eating breakfast. I judged the intervals between images by counting to ten between shots.

Above: Pinnacle Balanced Rock
Below: Big Balanced Rock was one of the more amazing rock spires at Chiricahua. Look closely; you just might miss it!The drive home passes through picturesque pastures.

Resources to Help You Plan Your Visit

The National Park Service site for Chiricahua National Monument.
Maps of the park are on the National Monument site.

Blue Creation

BurnerPhotography@gmail.com (Benjamin Burner) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 22:42:00 +0000

The following was submitted to the Pima County Library's Call to Artists. Wish me luck!
Blue Biomimicry
Blue Chance:
Blue Math
Blue Profit

Blue Creation is a Narrative Work. The story began with a sundry collection of photographs of the Sonoran Desert around Tucson. Gradually, they were shaped and molded together to form a story of creation. This story starts with by examining some ways in which people view nature and art. The narrative continues far beyond this, however. The images contain a portion of the intricate detail and depth of what they represent—Nature. I encourage you to carefully examine the patterns, designs, and interplays found in these images and create something.

Havasupi

BurnerPhotography@gmail.com (Benjamin Burner) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 22:27:00 +0000

The Finger Rock Trail, Tucson Arizona

BurnerPhotography@gmail.com (Benjamin Burner) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 23:28:00 +0000

More Monsoon Lightning

BurnerPhotography@gmail.com (Benjamin Burner) — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 05:53:00 +0000

All these photographs of the amazing thunderstorms that hit Tucson every summer are probably getting old, but I can't help myself. I find nature's display of raw power mesmerizing. I have a few pictures of something other than lightning that I'm working on and will post soon. But for now, I'll continue on my quest to capture nature's fury in some significant way.Hopefully, this self-portrait conveys a little of the awe I feel when confronted with these amazing thunderstorms.

Happy (very late) Independence Day

BurnerPhotography@gmail.com (Benjamin Burner) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 07:14:00 +0000

This 4th of July I went up to Windy Point on Mt. Lemmon. The fireworks were unimpressive, but the sunset was amazing. Image above: The Trinity--clouds, branches, and the moon.
I'm still working on the photo set from the 4th, so this post will probably be updated soon.

Tucson Lightning

BurnerPhotography@gmail.com (Benjamin Burner) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 06:08:00 +0000

Photographing thunderstorms is a delightful thrill. These two pictures are from my first night hike through pouring rain and lightning. It crossed my mind that hunching over a 5 ft. metal tripod was probably not the safest way to weather a thunderstorm, but it would be a great way to go.

It is an awesome, overpowering experience to be surrounded by lightning and drenched in rain, listening to the terrific thunder bellow and roar from every corner of the sky. This storm was so fierce and powerful that I instinctively ducked as gigantic bolts of lightning lit the clouds above. The surge of raw and blinding power electrified the air, and if I die in a thunderstorm, I will die a glorious death.

Tucson Monsoons

BurnerPhotography@gmail.com (Benjamin Burner) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:34:00 +0000

Night Hiking in Tucson, Arizona

BurnerPhotography@gmail.com (Benjamin Burner) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 22:17:00 +0000

Image Above: Midnight in the Catalina Mountains
Night hikes feel like odysseys through a parallel universe. The familiar elements of the day are replaced by strange counterparts. The sun is replaced by a ghostly reflection, and the songs of birds are replaced by the eerily similar chirping of bats. The outlines of plants and stones, cloaked in a veil of darkness, appear suddenly and unexpectedly. And it is all wonderful!

Here in Tucson, the summer is really starting to heat up, and hiking during the day can be nearly unbearable. Night hiking is the brilliant solution to this problem. The weather is much cooler, you have the trails to yourself, and you can explore the brilliant nightscapes of your familiar daytime hikes.

Night Hiking Tips

Go when the moon is close to full. Once my eyes adjusted, I found that the moon provided enough light to hike. Check this site for moon rise/set times and lunar luminosity (fullness).
Bring two lights. The moon does not always provide enough light, particularly if the terrain is rocky or the weather is overcast. Bring two! I had a flashlight break in the middle of a Hawaiian lava field. With no back up, I was stuck trying to get back with nothing but my phone for light. Needless to say this is a major pain.
Bring a GPS unit or a compass or both. It is much easier to get lost in the dark. Landmarks are difficult to spot, and it is much easier to accidentally get off the trail.
Bring Water. It may be cooler, but you still need to drink.
If you plan on taking pictures, you will need a tripod and a remote shutter release cable. Both the images above were taken using 20+ second exposures.

Moonset at Kitt Peak

BurnerPhotography@gmail.com (Benjamin Burner) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 18:46:00 +0000

Sunrise at Tucson Mountain Park

BurnerPhotography@gmail.com (Benjamin Burner) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 01:28:00 +0000

The Pipevine Swallowtail Caterpillar

BurnerPhotography@gmail.com (Benjamin Burner) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 20:59:00 +0000

This Pipevine Swallowtail caterpillar is a fascinating creature. It eats only Pipevine plants and is often found (as pictured above) wondering through dirt and death to find pipevines.

A couple of weeks ago, I posted a picture of this Pipevine caterpillar along with other photographs of Catalina State Park, but I had no idea what kind of caterpillar it was. I'm really glad I took the time to identify it. It was trekking through the Tucson heat, through the desert, and through a maze of dead branches searching for its only source of food. It is a fitting metaphor for perseverance. Be like the Pipevine Swallowtail Caterpillar, my friends.

One quick note about this particular caterpillar, most Pipevine Swallowtail caterpillars are black with orange/red spots, but here, in Tucson, they seem to show up in this bright red/orange variation.

Resources

For an interesting read on one person's experience with these strange caterpillars, head over to the North American Butterfly Association.
For technical facts and details of this caterpillar and the adult Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly, take a look at BugGuide.

The Catalina Mountains at Sunset

BurnerPhotography@gmail.com (Benjamin Burner) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 02:50:00 +0000

Waiting in my car, battling off mosquitoes, I happened to witnessed a moment of beauty as I watched the dying light:

Pima Canyon in the Rain (Tucson, Arizona)

BurnerPhotography@gmail.com (Benjamin Burner) — Fri, 22 May 2009 19:29:00 +0000

Yesterday evening, I went hiking at Pima Canyon in the Catalina Foothills. A storm has rolled in providing a welcome respite from the 100+ degree temperature, so under an oil painting sky I fed my right brain.
The brooding sky cast a different light on everything. The bright, hot desert was transformed by water.
Towering to an impressive height, this unusual saguaro cactus caught my eye. Most saguaros develop arms after a certain height.
This last photograph is the only one not from Pima Canyon. I took it the night before my hike. It's a night-blooming cactus belonging to the crazy cat lady who lives downstairs. Look closely and you will see a few small raindrops still on the pedals.
If you're in the Tucson area, go hike Pima Canyon!

Pima Canyon Information:

Information on distances and trail conditions are at Hike Arizona.
The Coronado National Forest site has a rough map of the trail.
For driving directions to the Pima Canyon trailhead, click here.

Catalina State Park, Tucson, Arizona

BurnerPhotography@gmail.com (Benjamin Burner) — Sun, 10 May 2009 23:41:00 +0000

Colossal Cave, Arizona

BurnerPhotography@gmail.com (Benjamin Burner) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 07:01:00 +0000

Picacho Peak State Park, Arizona

BurnerPhotography@gmail.com (Benjamin Burner) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 01:59:00 +0000

Here, you'll find a few images from my trip to Picacho Peak last weekend. Enjoy, -B.
Picacho Peak Resources:

Google Maps location of Picacho Peak.
Information on fees, facilities, etc. can be found at the Arizona State Parks sit e.
Check the weather before you go and be sure to carry water.

Mt. Lemmon; Tucson AZ

BurnerPhotography@gmail.com (Benjamin Burner) — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 22:23:00 +0000

The Sky Islands: Santa Catalina Mountains

I spent Saturday exploring Mt. Lemmon and the Santa Catalina Mountains. For all the facts on Mt. Lemmon, check out this Wikipedia article. For a vain attempt to express the beauty of these unusual forests in words and images, read on.

Photo: Lovers share the sunset at Windy Point. (Click on the photos for higher quality versions)

Stop. Take a few deep breaths, and feel alive. This may be the closest to flying I'll ever feel.

The view from the top: Many mountain vistas provide a seemingly endless view with an awesome, expansive sky.

Above: A man looks down at Catalina Highway far below. Catalina Highway is a winding alpine route that is a driving delight. For the trepid motorists, there are pleanty of turn-outs and view points perfect for unwinding.

Resources

For the Coronado National Forest Service site on Catalina Highway, including a map, click here.
Info on the southernmost ski site in the US can be found here.
Get the weather at Mt. Lemmon at Weather Underground.
Stop by this site for useful numbers for Mt. Lemmon conditions.
For a campground guide, visit this Coronado National Forest site.

If you're in the Tucson area, spend a day (or even part of a day) in the Catalina Mountains. I hope you enjoyed this, and--as always--leave me nice comments.
-B

Ansel Adams Wilderness: A VR Movie

BurnerPhotography@gmail.com (Benjamin Burner) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 02:42:00 +0000

It's been sometime since I've had the time and energy to post anything. Even now, it's past my bedtime, but I finally created my first VR of a panorama and just had to share it!

Travel Free

BurnerPhotography@gmail.com (Benjamin Burner) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:36:00 +0000

With the economy heading south faster than a migrating mallard, many of us (including your beloved blogger) are bone broke. That shouldn't stop you from enjoying the splendor of the natural world. I've compiled a few tips for traveling for close to nothing. I'll present these tips in a bit of a series as I write them. Today's tip is:

Tip 1: Camp for Free
For the last couple of years I've been camping for free maybe 75% of the time. Here in the US, you can do this in almost any national forest. When you're planning your route, keep an eye out for national forests. While driving through a national forest on a highway, you'll typically see several dirt roads leading into the forest. Pick any one of these, drive up it a little distance till you find a place to pull out and camp. It's that simple.
Well, Almost. There are a few extra things you need to know and bring if you choose this dispersed camping option.

First, there are often restrictions and rules you should know about. This is particularly true when it comes to building a fire, so it is a good idea to check with the USFS website to familiarize yourself with these regulations. In general, use common sense when building fires: don't build them when it is excessively windy or dry, don't build them next to trees, don't build gigantic infernos, etc.

Second, if you plan on camping in a national forest, you will need to bring toilet paper, a shovel (to put out your fire and dig a hole to do your business), and plenty of water. You should also consider bringing a chair. Remember, all you're getting is a piece of land. There are no services.

Finally, I do this in my sedan which is pretty low to the ground. This sometimes makes it challenging to travel the dirt roads. While not required by any means, vehicles with high ground clearance make life easier--particularly if it is raining or snowing. It's a good idea to have a backup campground in mind in case the dirt roads become impassible.
Dispersed camping is not for everyone. It is a very primitive way to camp. However, it is unquestionably my favorite way to camp. You have the wilderness to yourself, free from traffic and loud neighbors. There are no distractions, no buildings, no bathroom lights shining on your campsite through the night... This is the way to experience the solitude of nature!
I'm relatively new to dispersed camping. I'm sure many of you could add valuable advice to this post. Feel free to offer any suggestions.

Up Next: Cook for Free

Tucson Monsoons

BurnerPhotography@gmail.com (Benjamin Burner) — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 08:50:00 +0000

The spectacular thunder storms of the summer monsoons in Tucson are a thing to witness. The power and force of nature is awe-inspiring. I took this image of lightning on a summer night a few months ago. Ever since that time, it has been sitting on the half-exposed roll of film in my camera.

Traveling Alone through the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

BurnerPhotography@gmail.com (Benjamin Burner) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 06:52:00 +0000

The Solace of Solitude
As an artist, I've developed my own distinct style in my photography and my writing. As a nature photographer I've found myself slowly gravitating toward expansive open spaces, majestic landscapes, and gigantic panoramas in an attempt to convey the sense of wonder I feel in nature. However, I've hardly touched on my own distinct style of travel--developed, like my art, over many years. I travel alone the overwhelming majority of the time. I fell into this habit early on out of necessity. Seizing every opportunity to travel often meant that I would leave with little or no notice and drift through my travels as time and money allowed. However, traveling alone has many benefits.
Advantages of Traveling Alone

Flexibility. This is a nice euphemism for selfishness. Going solo means you set your own pace, your own agenda, meal plan, lodging arrangements etc. In day to day life I find I constantly interact with people who I must accommodate. I need a vacation from this as much as anything.
Nature. With nature as my sole companion I am free from the distractions of society. I find I experience the beauty and purity of nature not as a spectator but as a participant.
Solitude. It is often only through solitude that I truly know myself. I find these times of solitude necessary for deep introspection.
Independence. I have been blessed with a few great friends who have always been there for me, but I believe it is important for me to survive on my own from time to time. As a man, I use this independence to take risks, test my strength, and assert my silly inner boy. However, regardless of your sex or what independence means to you, I believe the confidence gained from this independence is vital in shaping us and who we will be around others.
Spiritual Growth. Perhaps it is partly because I am religious, but I often feel the presence of god more keenly when I am alone in the wilderness. God speaks to me through the mountains and the trees, and sometimes I only hear it when I am alone and free from distractions.

A Few Words on Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
As you no doubt have guess, the pictures in this post are from Vermilion Cliffs, more specifically from Paria Canyon. They are part of the same trip where I visited Flagstaff, Antelope Canyon, Wupatki, and Horseshoe Bend. I'm only just now posting them.
The hike through Paria Canyon starts in Utah at the White House trailhead. (In the resources below, I've included a link to a map of the area and a detailed guide.)
I stumbled upon Paria Canyon almost by accident. I was looking for a place to camp, settled on White House, and the next day (having no set agenda I decided to hike down the trail at the campground.)

Now that I've had a little taste of the canyon, I would love to go back. I hiked in only as a day hike; however, from the sounds of it, Paria Canyon is best enjoyed by backpacking down the whole length--a three day trip. Most of these photos are from a section called the narrows, about four miles from the trailhead. It is a beautiful and remote canyon definitely worth a day if you find yourself in the area.
Resources

A detailed discription of the backpacking trip down Paria Canyon can be found at Arizona Hiking Trails.
The Bureau of Land Managment has a useful map of the Vermilion Cliffs area. (The White House Trailhead is in the upper middle off highway 89.)
For information on permits for the area go to this BLM page.
To find out more about conservation at Vermilion Cliffs, visit the Arizona Wildlife Coalition.

Blog Action Day 08: People and Plants

BurnerPhotography@gmail.com (Benjamin Burner) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 18:08:00 +0000

Today is Blog Action Day. What is Blog Action Day? From the website: "Today thousands of bloggers will unite to discuss a single issue - poverty." Here's my contribution:

Having read countless eco-themed blogs, I sometimes get the impression that plants are more important than people. They are not.

Now, I don't believe there has to be a choice, but if there is a choice we have an obligation to save the lives of people facing starvation. It's easy to forget that people are starving because most of use never see it, but even in our own cities people live in poverty.Now I encorage you to do what you can. The Blog Action Day site is using Change.org to donate to nonprofits.
I also encorage you to check out LAHSC a nonprofit working with the homeless in LA. I've volenteered for them in the past, and they're providing a much-needed service.